Fort McHenry is probably best-known for the valiant role it played in the Battle of Baltimore in 1814, which inspired Francis Scott Key to write the words that would become The Star-Spangled Banner. During the Civil War it served as a prison for the large number of Maryland citizens who expressed pro-secessionist sentiments, including Francis Key Howard, the grandson of Scott Key.

Designated a National Monument and Historic Shrine in 1939, it is now a popular spot with tourists eager to see "the Birthplace of the National Anthem."

Liked this? Click the Like button above. And click the Follow button above for more great stories from loveEXPLORING

Now check out these extraordinary black-and-white photographs from the Civil War

Historic Civil War forts that changed the course of America